Green Bay Packers Top Atlanta Falcons Behind Big Defensive Plays

By Juan Pablo Aravena

Jeff Hanisch – USA TODAY Sports

The weather conditions for today were expected to affect several NFL games around the schedule this Sunday. While the snow was definitely a factor in the contest between the Atlanta Falcons and the Green Bay Packers, it clearly didn’t slow things down, as the Packers finally won without Aaron Rodgers, topping the Falcons in a 22-21 thriller that wasn’t decided until the final seconds.

Matt Flynn wasn’t able to lead the offense in terms of passing, but it’s undeniable that he came through right when the team needed him the most. With Eddie Lacy out with an injury, Flynn threw his only TD pass of the day in the fourth quarter when he found receiver Andrew Quarless for a score that ended up being decisive. The biggest play of the day for Green Bay, however, was made by on the defensive side of the ball.

With only four seconds left and with Matt Ryan trying to set up the Falcons in FG range, CB Jarrett Bush picked off Ryan’s pass to save not only the game, but the Packers’ chances to make the playoffs. Bush’s interception and a fumble forced by Mike Neal were only two of the key stops made by the Packers’ secondary as they successfully rallied back to win under heavy snow conditions.

The Falcons had a 21-10 lead at halftime, but the defense picked it up in the final 30 minutes to turn things around. Green Bay is back in the playoff race after today’s win, but they will need better offensive production if they want to reach the postseason.